What’s up guys and gals? Let’s begin with the news that’s on everyone’s lips; AJ Lee has retired from in ring competition with WWE. It’s a big blow for the division, I won’t deny it, and while AJ was far from my favourite no one can ignore the way she pulled the Divas division up by the scruff of the neck and worked her ass off to help make it what it is today. She’ll be missed. Where she goes from here is anyone’s guess.
But we’re going to move past that to focus on the stars of this redux; four of the younger girls on the main roster, and by younger I mean less seasoned. Paige aside, Cameron, Summer Rae and Emma are surely looking to prove their worth now that one of the biggest names in the division is gone.
Paige and Emma are ready to go in the ring. I love the blue streaks in Paige’s hair! Not so keen on the darker shade of Emma’s; I prefer her hair blonder. But her newest ring gear is awesome. Speaking of new ring gear, Cameron heads out in some gorgeous purple tights with Summer Rae at her side. I love that they’re being all matchy-matchy.
The bell sounds and it’s Paige and Cameron who are kicking things off. Paige is in charge early on, going for a pin and getting a one count. Cameron shoves Paige back, demanding a moment to fix her hair. Paige taunts the former Funkadactyl, daring Cameron to slap her in the face. Cameron obliges, because come on, it’s Cameron, and she doesn’t back down from a challenge. Paige is a little shell shocked, and Cameron takes her down with a standing thesz press. Paige counters for another pin and gets a two count. Paige tags out to Emma, and Emma hits a big drop kick out of the corner.
Cameron’s had about enough for the moment and tags out.
Summer bursts into the ring, only to be outsmarted by Emma, who sends her face first into the turn buckle. Emma tags in Paige after a very brief tenure. A double back drop later and Paige goes for the win, but it’s only a two count. Paige s dominating Summer right now, with knees to the chest and head butts. She tags Emma back in, who goes right to work. It’s not long before Emma has Summer in the dilEMMA, and she follows it up nicely with the sandwich. Suspiciously absent is Emma’s ritualistic dancing beforehand. I am 100% NOT COMPLAINING. I say Girl, Bye to that gimmick. Cameron drags her partner out of the ring as Emma looks on. She’s not waiting around, though, and takes both Cameron and Summer out in one fell swoop. Emma’s looking much more aggressive this week, and I like it.
We’re back, and Cameron is in control. She hits a one legged drop-kick into a split for a two count; Emma’s not done yet. Emma powers up momentarily, but Cameron shuts her down just as quickly. She taunts the crowd, with Summer on the apron screaming at Emma, and gets back to work. She drags Emma back to her and Summer’s corner, and a bit of double teaming puts Emma on her back again. Summer hits her standing leg drop, but Emma manages to counter briefly and head back to Paige. Summer stops her in her tracks and pulls her away from her partner. Cameron tags in and the double team moves just keep on coming from these two, which is great to see. They’re making a real go of this partnership.
Emma is still getting her ass kicked, and Cameron locks her up in an effort to further wear her down. Emma fights back, and she manages to avoid a big clothesline from Cameron by ducking away from the turn buckle. She starts to crawl, but Cameron stops her yet again! Emma is really taking a beating this match. She winds up in the corner of Summer and Cameron yet again, and they take turns choking her out. Summer distracts the referee twice and Cameron takes advantage. The crowd gets behind Emma, and she shows signs of life! She’s inches away from Paige when Summer takes her out again! Summer then slaps Paige for good measure, too. But what’s that thing they say about karma? Emma looks deep inside and delivers two stiff kicks to Summer. Both ladies are on the mat, and it’s a race to the finish now.
Paige is desperate to get in there, and when she does she unloads on Cameron! Emma takes care of Summer Rae, and Paige picks up the win after forcing Cameron to tap out to the PTO.
Thoughts: How good were Cameron and Summer this match? Physically Cameron and Paige had a few slips early on, but in terms of character Cameron and Summer were ON POINT. I have to say, I’m really a Cameron fan. She’s come such a long way, and I think she’s got a long road ahead of her in the company. Summer continues to play the mean girl very well; she’s a born heel, and I think she and Cameron have something special between them. Emma took some serious punishment this match and I commend her for it. I’m thrilled we saw zero dancing. It’s absolutely time that nonsense gimmick is put to bed. The commentators mentioned several times her new, more aggressive and serious style and I’m all for it. They also mentioned how well she and Paige worked as a team, but I have to say we didn’t see nearly enough of it. Paige came in to pick up the win in literally less than a minute, and while I like her, I’m not a fan of that. Paige is very good with her in ring psychology, and I would have liked to see her take more time. But this match wasn’t about telling her story, it was about Cameron and Summer.
A great week for these four ladies!
Until next time! x
